Hawkeye Reporter

The Senate has unanimously approved a resolution to designate July as “National Anti-Counterfeiting and Consumer Education and Awareness Month.” The measure, led by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), aims to highlight the economic impact of trademarks and their importance in consumer protection.

Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) also supported the resolution.

“Counterfeit products threaten our economy and consumers’ health and well-being,” Grassley said. “I’m glad to lead this bipartisan effort to educate Americans on the dangers of illicit knockoffs and the economic value of trademarks.”

Coons added, “Americans should have confidence that the products they’re buying are legitimate and safe – that they have been tested for dangerous chemicals, comply with regulatory standards and aren’t supporting criminal enterprises. Businesses should be able to protect and sell their innovative products without fear that every new idea will be stolen. My resolution with my Congressional Trademark Caucus co-chair, Senator Grassley, protects American businesses, the public and our economy by raising awareness of counterfeit goods, and I’m glad the Senate has shown it shares this goal by unanimously passing our resolution.”

Tillis stated, “Counterfeit products hurt American businesses and put consumers at serious risk. I’m proud to support this resolution recognizing the importance of trademark protections and raising awareness on the dangers of counterfeiting.”

Travis Johnson, Vice President for Legislative Affairs of the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition, commented on broader impacts: “The true cost of counterfeiting cannot be measured in dollars alone, but in the injuries to consumers caused by often dangerous fakes, in diminished investments to drive the next wave of innovation by American businesses, in jobs lost to unfair competition, and increasingly, by the threats such products pose to our national security. We applaud the passage of S.Res. 314, and thank the sponsors – Senator Grassley, Senator Coons, Senator Hirono and Senator Tillis – both for their leadership on this issue, and for their recognition of the vital role that education can play in helping to protect consumers, legitimate businesses and the economy as a whole.”

Steve Lamar, President and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), noted ongoing risks: “Illicitly traded goods—including apparel, footwear, accessories, and travel goods—undermine trusted American brands but also threaten the jobs and livelihoods of millions of U.S. workers and the safety of American consumers and the environment. Thank you to Senator Grassley and Senator Coons for again recognizing the need for this 'National Anti-Counterfeiting and Consumer Education and Awareness Month' - bringing vital attention to the role trademarks play in both the U.S. economy and the protection of consumers. AAFA applauds these essential national efforts to continue to raise consumer awareness of the dangerous and growing counterfeit crisis.”

Grassley’s advocacy includes previous legislative work such as supporting transparency measures for online marketplaces through laws like 2021’s INFORM Consumers Act—designed to increase accountability among third-party sellers—and introducing proposals aimed at stopping counterfeit imports as well as addressing risks from fake prescription drugs.